$3M In Funding Available For Climate Change Projects In RI

TIVERTON, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced on Tuesday that $3 million in matching grants is available for projects that address climate resiliency in the state. Proposals will be accepted from government and nonprofit groups until April 6.

The funds are part of the 2018 Green Economy and Clean Water Bond, approved by nearly 80 percent of Rhode Island voters.

"These grants will support the work of our Resilient Rhody strategy to protect the health, safety, and livelihoods of our people, communities, and workplaces," Governor Gina Raimondo said. "We will continue to combat climate change by advancing our clean energy and heating sectors, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing transportation pollution."

The funds are a part of the governor's pledge to "address climate change with urgency," promised in her State of the State address earlier this year. In her proposed budget, Raimondo called for a $64 million Beach, Clean Water and Green Bond initiative, which would fund upgrades to the state's beaches and parks, conservation of forests and farms and investments in clean water.

"In the past decade, Rhode Islanders have seen places we love eroded, flooded, degraded, and lost due to impacts of climate change," DEM Director Janet Coit said. "We are excited that these grants will enable us to work with governmental and nonprofit entities to protect our treasured habitats and advance a healthier, more resilient Rhode Island. With critical funding that Rhode Islanders approved by supporting the 2018 Green Economy and Clean Water Bond, we are investing in our state to help ensure our communities are prepared for climate impacts now and in the future."

The department will hold a public workshop to discuss proposals at 2 p.m. on March 2 at its Providence headquarters. Proposals can be submitted by mail to DEM Permit Application Center, 235 Promenade Street, Second Floor, Providence, RI 02908 and emailed to elizabeth.stone@dem.ri.gov.